When summer arrives, that's my invitation to pack up my things and drive down to Atlantic City. Of course, AC has been struggling to keep old businesses alive, but despite that, my mood suddenly changes when I arrive. Ice cream and sand (yes, sand) are among some of my favorite things in this world.
On top of that, Atlantic City hosts some of the most incredible attractions, ones that have imprinted their colorful culture on my mind forever. Since AC has so much going on every day and even more on the weekends, finding places to go is like trying to choose which restaurant to get pasta in Italy. There are way too many choices and not enough direction.
So to make it easier for everyone, I have narrowed down the places that I have had the most fun at and return to every time Atlantic City welcomes me with open arms, or big waves for that matter. Here are my 5 favorite things to do in Atlantic City.
1. Boardwalk
There are boardwalks everywhere. I get it. Usually when people go to the beach, walking on a boardwalk of some sort is part of the whole deal. It just feels like an elevated part of the beach filled with sun and happy faces. But I am convinced that if you have never experienced the Atlantic City boardwalk, you do not know what a boardwalk really is. Harsh, I know. But once I go into the wonders of Atlantic City's boardwalk, one packed with exquisite treasures, you will be packing your things before even finishing this article (But I hope you do finish it).
To me, boardwalks are supposed to contain stores upon stores, you know, the ones that only sell beach merch with the words "Jersey Shore" or "Seas the Day," printed across the front, which somehow cost $35. But you soon forget how absurd the price is because the sweatshirt is just so damn cute. And boardwalks have bars with $4 margaritas that somehow taste ten times better than the one you had last week for $18.
The AC boardwalk contains all of those things along with other sick finds. It stretches along four miles of the Jersey Shore, and every step of the way is guaranteed to bring a happy and lively feel.
On the AC boardwalk, there are top chef restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, which serves every kind of delicacy you could think of, Angeline by Michael Symon which is upscale Italian, and Olón Chef José Garces' which serves seafood.
And if high-end restaurants scare you and all you need to be satisfied is a burger and fries or a slice of pizza, they have that too! And don't forget about their infamous funnel cakes, fried Oreos and Saltwater Taffy.
In the New York Times, an article titled 36 hours in Atlantic City discusses what one can do while visiting Atlantic City in just 36 hours. Walking on the boardwalk is included in their list of places to visit. Even better, they talk about walking on the boardwalk at sunset as the day finally comes to an end.
The AC boardwalk is truly one of a kind filled with food, ice cream, arcades, carnival rides and so much more. Once you experience it, you will know what a boardwalk experience should really feel like.
2. Hard Rock Casino and Hotel
When I think of casinos, I think of Atlantic City. Or maybe when I think of Atlantic City, I think of casinos. Whichever it is, casinos are sprawled out all over AC and all along the boardwalk. Remember, the boardwalk continues for 4 miles. That's a lot of casinos. Nine to be exact.
The casino nightlife (or day life. you do your thing) is embedded in the history of AC. Resorts Casino Hotel was the first casino to open in Atlantic City in May of 1978. This was the first legal casino in the United States, aside from those in Nevada.
Upon the opening of this casino, AC began to blossom. People traveled from all over the US to gamble there and it became a sight that everyone wanted to see. In 1870, when the boardwalk was first constructed, AC was not yet at its peak. In the 1920s, and soon after the Resorts Casino Hotel opened, AC became the most desired summer resort spot on the East Coast.
When I was younger, the casinos didn't mean much to me but as I got older and began to visit AC myself, I recognized the historical significance of each one. They made AC what it is today, and especially the AC of the 1920s when hotel construction was blooming and new stores were opening every day.
Of the nine casinos that are still open in AC (3 have closed down over time), my favorite is the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The Hard Rock, formerly known as the Trump Taj Mahal reopened in June of 2018, claiming the name The Hard Rock.
The Hard Rock is both a casino and a hotel. It contains restaurants, games, and entertainment. Everything about this place screams fun and crazy. It is never a dull moment there and gambling there is somehow more fun than gambling at any other casino.
Side note - if you are into gambling, you can get gambling bonuses and offers on sites like OnlineCasinoGems, which help you break through the noise and directs you to trusted websites for various New Jersey casinos. Gambing online is not allowed in most US states, but if you want to do some quick gambling out of directly from your hotel room, there's plenty of options available out there.
If you are going to visit Atlantic City, the Hard Rock Casino is a must-see. Even if you don't enjoy gambling, it is important to visit the places that helped build AC into an unforgettable summer resort spot. It is part of its culture and it should not be missed!
3. Steel Pier Amusement Park
The Steel Pier Amusement park is the oldest amusement park in AC and it happens to be on the boardwalk, right across from the Hard Rock, so you can check off three places in one visit.
The Steel Pier is a miniature amusement park filled with rides and carnival games. My childhood memories are packed with outings to Steel Pier as I hopped onto the Ferris wheel with cotton candy in one hand and soft serve in the other. This mini, enchanted amusement park is seriously one of the best places I have ever visited in my life.
In the amusement park, there are over 20 rides, ranging from kiddie ones to extreme ones. And I don't do roller coasters so I am beyond thankful for the variety of kiddie ride options. The teacup ride is exhilarating.
Along with rides, there are arcades packed with games and food. You can even buy a ticket to get on a helicopter and fly over Atlantic City. This attraction is perfect for kids and is also awesome for adults (and adults who still act like kids).
If you do decide to take my sound advice and head on over to Steel Pier, you must make it onto the Ferris wheel. If you happen to be in a rush but need to choose one ride to go on to placate your screaming kids, you can forget about everything else I said and just get on the Ferris Wheel. The wheel is a 15-minute ride, with breathtaking views of the entire AC. Each gondola fits up to six people so it is perfect for a family ride.
The Steel Pier is commended everywhere for its ability to cater to all ages. The HuffPost praises the Steel Pier and explains why you must visit it during your time in AC.
If you happen to find your way to the AC boardwalk, you must visit this family-oriented and arcade filled amusement park. And obviously, when you do get on the Ferris wheel, make sure it's with cotton candy in one hand and soft serve in the other. Because that's the way to do it.
4. Tanger Outlets
After you've had too much sun for one day, head on over to the Tanger Outlets and find some of the best deals that you will ever discover. The outlets are a great alternative to the beach or boardwalk. If you are hoping for a relaxed day filled with shopping, this is the move. Each block is packed with several stores, some including Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and the Banana Republic.
According to Forbes, the Tanger Outlets are worth going to if you are to spend only two days in AC. There are some great places to brunch at, including a few dinner spots as well. On the weekends, the outlets are packed, making the visit bright and festive.
Every time I am in AC, I set aside one day to spend at the Outlets. Sometimes you need to return home with a few new shirts and a new pair of shoes to feel like you really had a good time. The outlets will certainly help you with that.
5. Boardwalk Hall
Ever heard of the Miss America Beauty Pageant? This annual competition, founded in September of 1921 takes place in the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. For 97 years, this pageant has been hosted by this iconic convention center. But that's not all that takes place in Boardwalk Hall.
This convention center hosts concerts, comedy festivals, sporting events and much more. Additionally, the architecture of both the outside and inside of the building is beautiful. On Amateur Traveler, Boardwalk Hall is admired for its many events and other iconic elements. Inside the hall is the largest musical instrument in the world, that being a pipe organ. It has 33,000 pipes and eight chambers.
When I go to Atlantic City, I make sure to visit Boardwalk Hall because who doesn't want to see a giant pipe organ. And maybe if there's time after I'm done counting every pipe on the organ, I go to see a concert.
Atlantic City has become one of those places that I won't go a summer without visiting. It has shaped my childhood, lending me memories that I have never forgotten. I continue to go back because of the incredible attractions that have always lived up to my expectations. Each of these places will leave you with memories of love and laughter.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
